Alright, let's break down the Realme C35 and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. It's a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, so we’ll need to dig deep to see where each phone shines. Let's dive in!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with their practical implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-14 | 2024-04-29 | Huawei is significantly newer (2 years) with more updated tech |
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Realme C35 is taller but thinner, Huawei is a bit shorter and thicker. Both are similar in width |
| Weight | 189g | 220g | Realme C35 is lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Huawei has a slightly larger display |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1260x2844 | Huawei has a much sharper, more detailed screen |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 460 PPI | Huawei's display is significantly crisper |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Huawei offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Huawei screen is smoother, with more fluid animations and scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Huawei offers much better screen visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Huawei's chipset is far more powerful, offering better performance |
| Antutu Score | 230,726 | 869,707 | Huawei performs significantly better in benchmarks, handling demanding tasks with ease |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Maleoon 910 | Huawei has a more powerful GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive apps |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.4 (1/1.3" sensor, OV50H, 1.2µm) | Huawei has a wider aperture, larger sensor, and more light-gathering capability |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 (Sony Exmor) | 13MP f/2.4 (Omnivision) | Huawei offers higher resolution, Realme has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | None | 48MP f/2.1 | Huawei offers zoom capabilities, Realme does not |
| Wide Angle | None | 12.5MP f/2.2 | Huawei offers a wider perspective, Realme does not |
| Macro | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme offers close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP f/2.8 | None | Realme captures monochrome images. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K, slow-motion 960fps | Huawei offers significantly better video capabilities |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, PDAF, CDAF | 4K Video, OIS, LAF, Raw, Night Mode | Huawei has more advanced camera features for photography buffs |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both phones have very similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Huawei offers dramatically faster charging |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse/wireless charging | Huawei can charge other devices wirelessly and has fast wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | N/A | Realme runs Android 11; Huawei's OS is not specified |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Huawei has faster Wi-Fi with more features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 | Huawei has a newer version, better audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | More (L1+L5, etc.) | Huawei has more precise GPS tracking for navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Huawei has much more storage available. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | Huawei is capable of handling multiple apps and more efficiently. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Huawei provides an advanced audio experience with stereo sound |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Side mounted fingerprint is usually faster |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither device provides info on screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall, RGB | Huawei offers more advanced sensors |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Thin: At 189g and 8.1mm thick, it’s very comfortable to hold and carry.
- Decent Main Camera for the Price: The 50MP main camera is solid for everyday snapshots.
- Affordability: This is its key selling point. It targets budget-conscious users.
- Side-mounted fingerprint: Offers faster and more accurate biometric security
Realme C35 Weaknesses:
- Lower-Resolution Display: The IPS LCD screen is less vibrant and sharp compared to OLED, with lower resolution.
- Basic Performance: The Unisoc T616 chipset can struggle with intensive tasks and gaming.
- Limited Camera Features: It lacks optical zoom and advanced video features, plus the additional camera lenses found in the Huawei.
- Older OS: It runs Android 11, with limited OS update support
- Basic Audio Simple audio setup with no frills
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Strengths:
- Stunning OLED Display: The vibrant OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits brightness is a joy to use.
- Flagship Performance: The Kirin 9010 chipset delivers excellent speed and responsiveness.
- Versatile Camera System: The camera system with multiple lenses and advanced features like OIS and 4K video.
- Fast Charging: 100W wired and 80W wireless charging is incredibly convenient.
- Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for an enhanced media experience.
- Newer Tech Launched over 2 years after the Realme, this phone features more updated specifications and technology.
- More Internal Storage Comes with up to 1 TB of internal storage
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Weaknesses:
- Heavier and Thicker: It's less portable than the Realme.
- Higher Price: It's a significantly more expensive device.
- Unspecified OS: The operating system isn't listed and it might be lacking compared to Android.
- Basic Biometric Security Fingerprint sensor is basic and might not be as convenient as a side-mounted sensor
Key Trade-offs:
- Price vs. Performance/Features: The Realme is much more affordable but makes significant compromises on performance and features. The Huawei is a premium device that offers top-tier specs but at a much higher price.
- Portability vs. Display/Performance: The Realme is more portable due to its lighter weight, while the Huawei offers a superior display and performance at the expense of added bulk.
- Camera Capabilities: The Realme has a good enough camera for the price range, but it can't match the versatility and quality of the Huawei's camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, students, or anyone needing a basic phone for calls, texts, social media, and casual browsing.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, light social media use, basic photography, and long battery life for everyday usage.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for the price if you don't need top-end specs and can accept compromises in performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, photographers, gamers, and power users who need the best possible performance, display, and camera.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, immersive media consumption, fast multitasking, and users who appreciate premium features.
- Price-to-Value: High upfront cost but you get excellent value for its technology and premium feature set.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? Are you comfortable with a basic smartphone to save some money?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone that handles demanding tasks, like gaming and video editing? Or will your use cases be light and casual?
- Features Priorities: Do you prioritize a high-quality display and camera over portability and price? Or do you prefer a lighter device with decent performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget Shopper: If you are on a tight budget, go for the Realme C35. It will handle basic tasks reasonably well and is light enough to carry around all day.
- The Power User: If you need the best performance and top-of-the-line features, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is your best choice.
- The Photographer: If you prioritize camera quality and features, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the clear winner.
- The Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media and browsing, and you don't need to edit photos or play intensive games, the Realme C35 will be more than adequate.
My Pick: If I had to choose, I would go with the Huawei Pura 70 Pro, despite the cost. My reasoning is simple: as a tech journalist, I need a device that can showcase the latest technology, especially in the areas of display, performance, and camera. The Pura 70 Pro offers the cutting-edge features that would allow me to evaluate and demonstrate the peak of mobile technology, which is paramount for my work. I appreciate its exceptional display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system.
That being said, the Realme C35 is a competent device for a specific audience. It's not a bad phone; it just caters to a more budget-conscious user. The Pura 70 Pro offers technology that I would find more useful in my profession. If you don't need the power of the Pura 70 Pro, the Realme would certainly be a good buy.
